WADERS

 

Waders can be worn safely in many situations as long as they FIT PROPERLY.
To say you will drown if you wear waders is like a PB guy saying a kayak is a Zara Spook for great whites.
I have been in the water many times swimming with waders without issues  - The important part is that you have waders that FIT PROPERLY and wear them CORRECTLY. As Jim Sammons demonstrated in his video - very little water if any will penetrate when submerged - and this will be the same weather it is calm or rough out as long as you don't spend all day in the water. Yes it is always better to have a dry or wet suit but as for the dry pants - they can be purchased from most all the wader manufacturers as they were originally called "hip waders". http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/headwaters_pant.html
The main thing is that you prepair for the conditions you might be entering and plan for the worst case possable.

See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper

The Tempest pants that a lot of us wear are just waders with a velcro belt

True, but the Tempest pants mate together with a dry top, which is what I wear in the ocean.  Waders work sealed up with a dry top too, just harder to pee.

Lakes are another story.

After my trip to Baja a few weeks ago, this topic came up in a conversation with Jim Sammons and Sean White.  They expressed how they feel farmer johns restrict paddling.  I did not believe them at the time, but after 3 days of non stop paddling in shorts, shirt and PFD I tend to agree with them. I was able to paddle all day long with no fatigue.  I'm not in great shape, but I could still hang.  They talked about the kokolat pants being the best in their opinion. I'm going to try my waders, paddling jacket and PFD next time out.  I do feel a little concern about being able to swim if needed, but I don't plan on going out alone, ever. Hopefully I won't have to pee though.

old topic - * I use waders in small bodies of water...where I'm confident that I can easily swim to shore if I had to.

Indeed - Russian Gulch.... inside I've used waders, outside wetsuit or Kokatat combos. I believe that hypothermia is the biggest issue for me.

If I were in the bay where currents and tides are very strong, I'd stick with a wetsuit or Kokatat, I'd be concerned that if I dumped the current might "catch" the wader top....dumping and being separated from the boat is a real issue, too.

I have worn waders and a semi dry top off the Washington coast. Including a full immersion in the surf that had me swimming for a bit then getting back in the yak. Now I wear a dry suit!

Waders work but are not the best option. If you do wear them you need a belt, or a belt and dry top. 

I grew up wearing waders and I just love being in them if I wear them kayaking that is my choice, but I would never advise anyone to wear them in a yak.

 They are not as safe as a wetsuit and it's irresponsible to suggest otherwise no matter how good they fit.

A Better question would be if you were separated from your anchored yak in SPB on a outgo or a couple of miles offshore would you want to be in waders or a Wetsuit.

Hypothermia is a greater concern than drowning.

And the OG's are sure to remember Frank's little episode off of the Bean, where he and a companion spent almost an hour in the water.

To my mind, waders = near zero immersion protection. I do use them, but only in the local lake, maybe 200 yards from shore. And I'm even second guessing myself on that now...


Scott

If you are wearing just waders you are asking for trouble. I have fished in just board shorts plenty of times. If I feel it is too cold for getting wet then it is time to gear up. The middle ground is dangerous.

Some killer deals on waders @ Hodgeman's website right now!
http://www.hodgman.com/Sale-Fishing-C69.aspx

Thanks for the link Sin Coast,I need to replace both pairs, ( breathable & neoprene )

I jumped in a lake wearing my neoprene waders ( after testing in shallow water ! ) w/o my belt on.
Swam down to about 10' ,made sure all air was out, and popped to the surface like a cork.

But considering mickfish's question, I'd take the wetsuit. Better safe than sorry!!!!!!

Yeah there's some smokin deals on there.
When it comes to waders vs wetsuit argument, there isn't really a debate...a wetsuit is safer. But it's a personal choice of how safe you want to be. I've worn waders in the ocean. Heck, I gone out in just swimtrunks and PFD sometimes. I'd go out in a rally thong if I felt safe enough. But what might be right some me...might not be right for others.

Yeah there's some smokin deals on there.
When it comes to waders vs wetsuit argument, there isn't really a debate...a wetsuit is safer. But it's a personal choice of how safe you want to be. I've worn waders in the ocean. Heck, I gone out in just swimtrunks and PFD sometimes. I'd go out in a rally thong if I felt safe enough. But what might be right some me...might not be right for others.

Fear the Bearded Rally Thong!!

I always wear my waders when I yakfish. I hate wetsuits. I've also been rolled/submerged in the surf (more than once  ) while wearing waders and had minimal water get inside. Basically it's whatever was wicked in by my shirt. I also have a great deal of confidence in my ability to re-enter my yak, if need be.

Take it for what it's worth.

When I first started with this madness, I was always wearing my wetsuit. For some
reason, I would always get seasick in the ocean even with minimal swell. Then I switched to waders and the right meds I got better. Perhaps it was the restriction
that caused me to get sick all the time. When the tempest pants and the matching
jacket came along, it was a God send. I am not pushing anyone to wear waders out
in the ocean by any means. I just wanted to share my experience that's all.

Jedmo